Since I wrote this post 2 years ago, I have altered some of my suggestions. I’m also a fan of Vitamin D3 for immune support.

This combination has helped me avoid two or three colds already in the last few months, where it felt like normally, without these interventions, the cold already had me in its grips. That is not exactly scientific, but it has worked so far for me.

Sometimes I take “Emergen-C” to increase my vitamin C intake, and that seems to help. I used to take Airbornne, and that seemed to help, but not as much, and primarily seemed to limit the duration of the cold, but not prevent it as much. I prefer to just dramatically increase my intake of citrus fruit when I feel vulnerable, but when I am too lazy to do that, or don’t feel like eating five oranges, I take a supplement like mentioned above.

Sleep seems to help.

There definitely is a positive correlation with gym attendance, and incidence of my getting or almost getting a cold. I believe whole-heartedly in not touching my face, then washing my hands like a surgeon when getting home from the gym. The no face touching while at the gym, was harder for me than it sounds, once you start really paying attention.

There also is an ridiculously high incidence of my getting a cold or almost getting a cold, with taking an inhaled corticosteroid, for asthma. So I avoid my Symbicort at all costs, unless I am pretty desperate (i.e. near death).

Also, I get a flu shot each year.

I like to play poker and watch it on TV. It always makes me cringe how much those players touch their faces/mouths while at the same time stacking the communal chips, eating, etc. It would be interesting to know how much regular poker-room players get sick.

I wash my hands religiously, but Still touch my face too much.

Thanks!